In terms of arresting journalists, Turkey has a far worse record than any other nation, including Saudi Arabia. An article on Al Bawaba, a Middle East news website, quotes an official of Human Rights Watch saying that “Turkey is the world leader in jailing journalists, with around 170 reporters and media workers currently behind bars.” It goes on to say, “Journalists and activists Erdogan deems threatening are subject to physical and psychological torture for extended periods of time.”

So President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s game is to distract from his own abuses to journalists. Perhaps we should take what Mr. Erdogan has to say on this subject with a grain of salt.